St Francis of Assisi College - Term 4 Week 4 - 2023

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Learning around the College

As we find ourselves nearing the halfway point of Term Four at St. Francis of Assisi College, we take this moment to reflect on the remarkable learning journey we've been on together. This term has been filled with accomplishments, challenges, and moments of growth for our students. Our students have continued to shine. The dedication and hard work they have put into their studies are evident in their personal achievements. We applaud their commitment to learning, their resilience, and their ability to adapt to different teaching and assessment methods.  Throughout all areas of the curriculum, students have had an opportunity to develop their communication, creativity, critical thinking and collaboration skills. These are important skills as they develop into capable learners.

Some of the highlights so far this term, include our year 9 students learning about bike safety and maintenance in Outdoor Education, where students have been enjoying riding around Renmark as they prepare for their day bike trek. In English year 9 students are learning film techniques and creating a film based on a poem, whereas in HASS they are learning about World War one and the impact on Australia. In science, our year 8 students have been learning about the types of rocks and how they form. In Mathematics, some students have made a Biltmore stick that measures both the diameter and height of a tree, using knowledge of similar triangles, Pythagoras’ theorem and some challenging algebra. They have also been enjoying cooking as they learn about the diversity of food in Europe, Asian and America and gain insight into the influence these cultures have had on Australian cuisine.   In Kitchen Garden, Year 7 students have been learning about a planting guide and creating fact sheets for different plants. In mathematics, they have been learning how to use formulas to calculate area of rectangle, triangles, parallelograms and circles, whereas in science they have been investigating how different surfaces affect the force of friction on an object.

Below are some photos of students enjoying their learning.

Natalie Meuret, Leader of Learning

Student Transitions

We look forward to meeting our 2024 Year 7 cohort at our two formal transition days held on Thursday November 30^th and Friday December 1^st.

If you are interested to reserve a place for your child or to book a tour, please contact the College on (08) 8585 4500 or via email info@assisi.catholic.edu.au 

Student Leadership Council - Applications for 2024

We are accepting applications from our students to fill the positions on the Student Leadership Council. The College has the following leadership positions to be filled by appointed members from the student body for 2024 in each of the four houses:

Application form available:  Student Leadership Application

These positions will be held by the successful students for the entire school year and will involve responsibilities such as:

• Regular (weekly or fortnightly) student leader meetings
• Rotating Attendance at College events (e.g. tours, ceremonies, fundraisers etc.)
• Rotating Attendance at Community events (e.g. ANZAC Day, Remembrance Day, Riverland Field Days, Rose and Garden Festival etc.)
• Master of Ceremonies for Term Assemblies
• Participation in Student Action Groups
• Other duties as invited by the Leader of Wellbeing or Principal

The process adopted by the College allows for multiple inputs into the decision making process by the College leadership team. Each applicant’s application is reviewed and a shortlist of applicants are invited to an interview. Additionally, shortlisted applicants are also listed in a democratic voting system and voted upon by the student body. All aspects of this process are treated equally and give guidance to the selection panel in their decision making.

Olympics Unleashed Guest Speaker - Kristina Clonan

On Tuesday morning we welcomed Kristina Clonan to the College. Kristina has represented Australia in Sprint Track Cycling in the Commonwealth Games and World Championships where she has won Gold and Silver respectively.

Kristina shared her personal journey through different cycling disciplines and the numerous challenges and roadblocks she has faced. Kristina focussed heavily on the importance of values and knowing your why – why you are engaging in an activity – which assists in knowing your purpose. Additionally, Kristina spoke on the importance of holding a “positive self-concept”. The students were highly engaged throughout and received some great answers from Kristina during Q&A.

We thank Kristina for her time!

Wellbeing In Focus

Digital Wellbeing

If you’re finding it difficult to set rules, regulations and boundaries for technology in your household, a family agreement can be a great way to get started. A digital family agreement helps you create a safe space to talk about technology together, and set guidelines for your online life in and out of the home. You can access a free printable family digital agreement to help guide the conversation via the link below:

2022-07 Digital Agreement_teens_ENG (qustodio.com)

Ongoing Support

At St Francis of Assisi College, we have a well-rounded Wellbeing Team with broader access to professional support. Please get in touch with Mr. Luke Cotter (Leader of Wellbeing) if you wish to seek support for your child.

“There's nothing better than a world where everybody's just trying to make each other laugh.”
- Matthew Perry

Luke Cotter, Leader of Wellbeing

On Wednesday, our Rowing Program students took part in another Day Camp. Anna Petersen joined us again, assisting Mrs Turnbull with coaching and discussing the importance of crews developing race plans and strategies in preparation for upcoming regattas, also highlighting the key role our coxswains play in racing situations.

Mrs Turnbull and Anna shared their own personal experiences as a crew on how they used to develop race plans, sometimes having to overcome differing opinions. These are common challenges in team sports but a valuable skill, in sport and life, to be able to develop a respectful relationship with our crew mates. Through developing our race plans, crews were also asked to consider their WHY – something we all took away from the visit from Australian Sprint Track Cyclist, Kristina Clonan the day before.

Students participated in three on-water sessions, showing technical improvements through each one. Crews practised race starts and worked through different components of their race plans. The Yr 9 girls quad even finished off the day with a practise 1000m race. It was a great day of growth, perseverance, and skill development!

Thanks, Anna, for sharing your experience with us. A special thank you is also extended to Miss Gibbons who is taking on more coaching responsibilities this term and Miss Camporeale for her continued support, making it all possible!

Enjoy this short video from the day:  ROWING VIDEO

Our crews are off to West Lakes on Saturday 18^th November to compete in the 3^rd Grade and Novice State Championship Regatta.

Stephanie Turnbull, Rowing Program Coordinator & Rowing Coach

Remembrance Day is this Saturday 11^th of November. Our Year 9's have been studying WW1 in HASS, so it was fitting for them to lead a Remembrance Day reflection, which they did during Home Group on Friday 10 November.  Students also made poppies which can be pinned to staff and student's shirts as a visual reminder of Remembrance Day. 

Mrs Trudigan and Miss Graney

RSVPs appreciated, use this link:  RSVP

Congratulations to Hugh R - Hugh was awarded Gold in Swimming Australia’s Pho3nix Junior Excellence program (11 - 14 years). As a result of his hard work and talent in the pool Hugh was invited to Pho3nix Junior Excellence Gold Level Clinic, held on Saturday 14th October at SA Aquatic and Leisure Centre in Adelaide.

Olympian, Matt Temple and Australia National swimmer, Brittany Castelluzzo were among the  coaches that supported the Junior Excellence Gold Level Clinic. Hugh was the only swimmer invited from the Riverland, he proudly represented Vitor Renmark Amateur Swimming Club and St Francis of Assisi College at the top level of his age group.

Congratulations also to Louis B for being awarded Blue in Swimming Australia’s Pho3nix Junior Excellence program.

Council’s Community Satisfaction Survey is undertaken every four (4) years with an aim to understand community satisfaction with Council, highlight areas for improvement and to benchmark against the local government sector.

To participate in the Survey, individuals can scan the QR code on the promotional material or alternatively, they can request a phone interview by calling 1800 077 789 (free call) or emailing hello@actionresearch.com.au or by completing a hard copy survey at the library or civic centre.

The Survey will take approximately 10-15 minutes and everyone who participates in the Survey will go into the running to win 1 of 4 $250 vouchers.

All responses will remain confidential, and results will be represented without any personally identifying information.

Participation in the Survey is available for Renmark, Paringa and Lyrup residents (18+) only and is open for three weeks commencing Monday 23 October to COB Sunday 12 November 2023.

Holiday Swim is a Royal Life Saving Society South Australia initiative bringing affordable and educational swimming and water safety lessons to pools and inland waterway locations across Metro and Regional South Australia since the 1950’s. The aim of the program is to teach children critical life saving skills and basic swimming skills, to equip them with the knowledge to stay safe in, on and around the water.

The aim of keeping the program affordable, is to reach families and communities that might otherwise miss out on the opportunity to participate in swimming lessons, and as we approach the busy Summer months now is the time to equip them with the knowledge to save a life.

The program will be returning in December 2023 and January 2024 with the newly adapted Royal Life Saving Swim & Survive program.

Royal Life Saving also offer pathways into the aquatic industry with their ICONIC Bronze Awards. The Bronze Star, Bronze Medallion, Bronze Cross , Award of Merit and Distinction levels are designed for those wanting to further their knowledge and skill set, before moving into the aquatic industry as Lifeguards and Swim Teachers within the local communities.